Three dedicated friends—Gerald Dube, Nicholas Muridzi, and Wisdom Logozo—are breathing new life into the former railway track known as the Strawberry Line. Employed at Charlie Bigham’s Dulcote Quarry in Wells, they have spent the past year restoring this valued local trail through regular volunteer efforts.
Their commitment is part of Charlie Bigham’s wider volunteering programme, encouraging employees to give back to the community. Yet for Gerald, Nicholas, and Wisdom, this project has become much more than just company-endorsed volunteering. It is a meaningful way to enjoy the outdoors, foster friendships, and contribute positively to their surroundings.
Gerald, 42, moved from Zimbabwe to Somerset with his family and was drawn to the project as an opportunity to make a difference and meet new people. “The company informed us about the Strawberry Line needing maintenance—things like cutting bushes and keeping it clean. I immediately signed up,” he shares.
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Their weekly tasks include trimming overgrowth, cutting back trees, litter picking, and raking the trail, dedicating four hours every Friday beyond their regular work shifts. Remarkably, Charlie Bigham’s continues to pay employees for this volunteer time, a gesture Gerald describes as “a real sign of appreciation.”
The Strawberry Line itself is a scenic 10-mile route meandering through the Mendips, connecting Yatton to Cheddar via Shepton Mallet and Wells. The trio’s efforts have made it accessible and inviting for walkers and cyclists alike, with some colleagues even using it as a commute route.
Before joining the team, the three were strangers, but now they share a strong bond. “It’s about fresh air and fun,” says Wisdom, 31, originally from Ghana and now a Somerset resident. “We work at our own pace. It’s good physical exercise and great for the mind. Plus, the local wildlife, like squirrels and rabbits, are always curious.”
Nicholas, 49, originally from Zimbabwe, echoes the sentiment: “It’s relaxing and helps clear your head. There’s laughter and conversation—it’s a social experience, not just work.”
Charlie Bigham, the company’s founder, emphasizes the importance of volunteering as part of the business’s commitment to the community. In 2024, employees dedicated nearly 4,500 hours to charitable projects, with a pledge to reach 10,000 hours by 2027. Additionally, the company donates 2.5% of post-tax profits to support local initiatives through their Giving Back Fund.
“We’re incredibly proud of our team,” Charlie Bigham remarks. “Our purpose has always been to make delicious food while doing business in a better way. Building a strong community within the company and beyond is fundamental to our ethos. Our aim is to be a beacon business that inspires positive change for people and the planet.”
Pamela Schmid, People Director at Charlie Bigham’s, concludes: “At Bigham’s, making great food is just part of what we do. We’re equally committed to creating a workplace people love and contributing to a sustainable future through thoughtful sourcing, teamwork, and community involvement.”